matua taane
The Niuean word for dad is matua taane.
The term is used to refer to a father.
Meaning: informal: a father (noun)
Which one should you use?
The informal term for dad in Niuean is papa.
Did you know?
- The word matua is used to describe both a 'father' and a 'ripe' fruit. This links the paternal role to the idea of biological maturity.
- In traditional Niuean society, a child might refer to several of their uncles as matua. This reflects a cultural system where the 'father' figure extends beyond a single biological parent.
- The informal term papa is a loanword likely influenced by English or other Western languages, rather than being native to the ancient Niuean tongue.
Examples in context
- E te matua, ua kite koe i te mea nei?Hey father, have you seen this?
- Kua fano e matua taane.The dad has gone.
Example conversation
Peni and Lani are talking about their family.
- PeniKua haere e matua taane?Has dad gone?
- LaniAo, kua haere ia.Yes, he has gone.
- PeniKua haere ia ki e toko?Where did he go?
- LaniKua haere e matua taane ki e toko.Dad went to the store.
